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Sixty-third session Item 68 of the provisional agenda* Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance

Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel
Report of the Secretary-General

Summary
The General Assembly, in its resolution 62/95, requested the Secretary-General to submit to it at its sixty-third session a comprehensive and updated report on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel, and on the implementation of the resolution. The present report provides updates on the safety and security of humanitarian and United Nations personnel over the past year and on the efforts of the Department of Safety and Security to implement the recommendations of the Assembly contained in resolution 62/95 that fall under the responsibility of the Department. The report highlights significant challenges and threats to the security and safety of humanitarian and United Nations personnel. 1 It focuses on the Organization’s efforts to ensure respect for the human rights, privileges and immunities of humanitarian and United Nations personnel, and to promote a culture of security consciousness, collaboration and accountability at all levels. The report calls for international collective responsibility, according to international laws and principles, and closer collaboration between the United Nations and host Governments to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian and United Nations personnel.

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* A/63/150 and Corr.1. 1 The present report is submitted without prejudice to the implementation of recommendations made by the Independent Panel on Safety and Security of United Nations Personnel and Premises Worldwide or the Independent Panel on Accountability related to the attack on United Nations premises in Algiers in 2007. A further report on institutional issues concerning staff, premises and security will be submitted to the forthcoming General Assembly.

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I. Introduction
1. In its resolution 62/95, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to submit to it, at its sixty-third session, a report on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel, and on the implementation of that resolution. The reporting period is from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008.

II. Security challenges and threats against United Nations and humanitarian personnel
2. The security of humanitarian and United Nations personnel continues to deteriorate. During the reporting period, humanitarian and United Nations personnel were the targets of deliberate attacks by extremists, armed groups and disgruntled sections of populations in all areas of humanitarian and United Nations operations. 3. The attack against United Nations offices in Algiers on 11 December 2007 was stark evidence of this disturbing trend. While threats by extremists existed in the past in a few locations, the threats have expanded indiscriminately to all locations. 4. Primary threats against United Nations and humanitarian personnel remain armed conflict, terrorism, harassment, violent public protests, banditry and criminality in areas of armed conflict, as well as in countries with economic, political and social unrest. Abduction and hostage-taking, whether politically, economically or criminally motivated, remains the most disturbing feature of the humanitarian working environment. In areas where there were no direct attacks or targeting of humanitarian workers, harassment and intimidation has been a serious cause of concern. 5. Key factors contributing to increased challenges for United Nations security management worldwide include (a) expanded and sustained operations, particularly in conflict or post-conflict areas; (b) rising criminality owing to deteriorating public security and limited capacity of local authority in countries facing economic, political and social tension, even without the presence of armed conflict; (c) the spread of terrorist tactics; (d) sharp increases in food and fuel prices leading to violent protests; (e) rising public expectations and local dissatisfaction with United Nations operations or presence; and (f) the climate of impunity for violent acts against United Nations and humanitarian personnel. 6. According to information retrieved from reports of United Nations designated officials for security worldwide (in 156 countries), 2 during the reporting period, the number of deaths of United Nations civilian staff members as a result of malicious acts increased by 36 per cent to a total of 25, compared to 16 deaths in the previous year. Of the 25 deaths, 20 occurred in Africa (including 17 in Algeria, 1 each in Chad, Kenya and Ethiopia), 1 in Asia (Pakistan) and 4 in the Middle East (1 in Lebanon and 3 in the occupied Palestinian territories). Annex I to the present report contains a list of United Nations personnel who lost their lives as a result of malicious acts and indicates the status of legal proceedings undertaken by the host
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The most senior United Nations official responsible for the security of all United Nations staff, dependants and property in his or her area of assignment.

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Governments. In addition, 10 United Nations staff members died in a helicopter crash in Nepal. 7. Locally recruited humanitarian and United Nations personnel remained the most vulnerable and have accounted for the majority of casualties and arrests, detentions or harassments. For example, out of the total number of 25 deaths, 21 involved locally recruited staff members. 8. In the reporting period, incidents involving the United Nations included 490 attacks, 3 546 harassment and intimidation cases, 578 robberies, 263 physical assaults, 119 hijackings and 160 arrests by State actors and 39 cases of detention by non-State actors. There were also 84 forced entries and occupations of United Nations offices and 583 residential break-ins. 9. The greatest number of reported security incidents against United Nations personnel 4 occurred mostly in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, according to indicative information provided by United Nations designated officials for security. Annex III to the present report contains further details. 10. The Department of Safety and Security received first-hand and second-hand accounts of security incidents against humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs). During the year, 63 deaths of international and national staff of non-governmental organizations resulting from malicious acts were reported, including 18 in Somalia, 17 in Afghanistan, 14 in the Sudan, 6 in Pakistan, 4 in Chad and 1 each in Burundi, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Uganda. Other incidents against humanitarian NGOs included 236 attacks, 70 cases of detention by State authorities and 103 incidents of unlawful detention by non-State actors, 41 incidents of assault, 132 incidents of harassment, 138 cases of forced entry or occupation of premises, 113 armed robberies, 50 incidents of vehicle hijacking, 70 residential break-ins and 124 cases of theft. 11. It is important to note that the above-mentioned number of incidents against humanitarian NGOs is not an exhaustive account, but rather, reflects the threats and incidents reported by NGOs, many of whom work as implementing partners and contribute to United Nations operations. The escalation of violence directed against relief workers is indicative of the increased threat levels in complex emergencies. 12. Violent acts against United Nations and humanitarian personnel in conflict and post-conflict areas continue unabated. In the Sudan, the 297 incidents against United Nations personnel, include the killing of five World Food Programme contracted drivers, 18 attacks on convoys and premises, 65 arrests by State authorities, 28 assaults and 94 incidents of harassment and intimidation. In Darfur, the number of vehicle hijackings has sharply increased to a monthly average of 12 vehicle hijacking incidents involving United Nations and humanitarian personnel. During the reporting period, the number of vehicle thefts and vehicle hijackings in Darfur included 44 United Nations vehicles, 109 NGO vehicles and 83 vehicles of contractors working for the United Nations.
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These included “attacks” on premises, installations and convoys resulting and not resulting in death and/or injuries. These included attacks, murders, arrests and detentions by State and non-State actors, physical assaults, cases of harassment and intimidation, forced entries or office occupations, missing persons, robberies, hijackings and residential break-ins.

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13. In Chad, examples of incidents against the United Nations include the killing of a driver employed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in December 2007 and attacks on two UNHCR convoys in March 2008. A particularly grave incident against humanitarian NGOs took place in May 2008 when armed men attacked a three-car convoy of Save the Children and the United Nations Children’s Fund, killing the Country Director of Save the Children. 14. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, persistent attacks by armed groups targeting humanitarian convoys and personnel led to the suspension of humanitarian activities in certain areas in the eastern part of the country. In Haiti, there were 28 vehicle hijackings and seven kidnappings in the reporting period. During the April 2008 protests against high food and fuel prices, a mob invaded and occupied a United Nations office, and angry protestors destroyed five United Nations vehicles. 15. Fighting between armed entities, whether State or non-State actors, continue to affect security of United Nations and humanitarian personnel. In southern Sudan, in April 2008, during fighting, armed groups looted and destroyed offices of the United Nations and international NGOs. In Chad, fighting in N’Djamena prompted United Nations staff to evacuate and caused damage to United Nations premises and equipment in February 2008. 16. In Afghanistan, United Nations and humanitarian organizations continue to face direct targeted attacks. In early 2008, there were indications that a United Nations compound was the target of rocket attacks on two consecutive nights in March, and one in May. During the reporting period, the incidents against humanitarian NGOs, included 8 killings, 51 attacks of convoys and premises, 30 cases of abduction or detention by non-State actors, 21 cases of harassment and intimidation and 22 forced entries to offices. 17. In Somalia, the deteriorating security situation has led to a growing number of incidents in which perpetrators have targeted, killed and abducted humanitarian and United Nations personnel. During the period from April to July 2008, numerous staff of United Nations and humanitarian agencies were abducted, including two contractors of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, one UNHCR national staff member and workers from numerous local and international NGOs, some of which are still detained (as at July 2008). In June 2008, insurgent militia raided the office of United Nations Political Office for Somalia. There were a total of 40 attacks on premises and convoys of humanitarian NGOs and the United Nations, the murders of 2 United Nations staff members and 15 humanitarian workers, the abduction of 6 United Nations staff members and 13 humanitarian workers, and vehicle hijackings, 3 of which involved the United Nations and 20 involving NGOs. The figures continued to rise with a total of 81 incidents against the United Nations in the present reporting period, compared to 54 incidents in 2007. 18. Another disturbing feature of the incidents has been the frequency of collateral damage to premises of the United Nations and NGOs as a result of crossfire. In Iraq, United Nations staff and premises have been hit by attacks on the International Zone, including the 27 March 2008 attack in which one United Nations subcontractor was killed and two injured.

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III. Arrest, detention and other restrictions
19. In the reporting period, the number of United Nations personnel arrested, detained or missing, and for whom the United Nations has been unable to exercise its right to protection, has decreased slightly to 19 cases from 22 cases for the past year. As at 30 June 2008, 12 United Nations staff members remained under detention in Israel, 3 in Eritrea and 2 in Somalia; 2 staff members remained missing. Annex II to the present report contains a consolidated list of missing staff members and those under arrest and detention.

IV. Respect for the human rights, privileges and immunities of United Nations and other personnel: implementation of resolution 62/95
20. The United Nations security management system is based on the principle that the primary responsibility for the security and protection of staff members, their dependants and the Organization’s property rests with the host Governments. The Organization continues to take steps to carry out recommendations contained in resolution 62/95, in which the General Assembly asked the Secretary-General to take the necessary measures to ensure full respect for the human rights, privileges and immunities of United Nations and other personnel carrying out activities in fulfilling the mandate of a United Nations operation, and to seek the inclusion, in negotiations of future and existing headquarters and mission agreements, of key provisions of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies and the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel. 21. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security has pursued a joint strategy with the Office of Legal Affairs and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to promote the compliance by Member States with the conventions on privileges and immunities. The Department, in consultation with the Office of Legal Affairs, continued to bring specific cases of infringement of the human rights and privileges and immunities of United Nations personnel, or other persons undertaking activities in fulfilling the mandate of a United Nations operation, to the attention of the host Governments. 22. At its meeting in Washington, D.C. in February 2008, the United Nations Interagency Security Management Network 5 discussed the need to put in place supplementary agreements either between the United Nations system organizations and host countries, or on a system-wide basis at the duty station, outlining the host country’s specific responsibilities for the protection of United Nations personnel and premises. The intention is to supplement, but not replace, the applicable host country agreements. The designated official, in consultation with the host Government, would adjust the model supplementary agreement to address countryspecific needs. The Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security continued to
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United Nations security management mechanism, comprising agencies, funds and programmes and departments, which discusses and considers security policies and issues of the United Nations security management system.

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intensify his contacts and dialogue with Member States, through their permanent missions to the United Nations, and direct contacts with various host country authorities, to increase cooperation with the host Governments. 23. Certain Governments continue to impede the import, deployment and use of essential communications and security equipment required for United Nations operations, in contravention of the above-mentioned international legal instruments. These restrictions have a serious adverse effect on staff security and on the beneficiaries of United Nations programmes.

Security training programmes and awareness campaign initiatives
25. The Department’s Training and Development Section continued to make progress in conducting security training programmes, including a new mandatory two-day induction training for newly appointed designated officials, security management team training, a security certification programme for new field security coordination officers and a refresher training programme for serving Department security personnel. 26. During the reporting period, the Department conducted (a) nine new designated official induction training sessions; (b) 27 security management team training sessions; (c) two security certification programmes for 66 security officers; and (d) five refresher training programmes for 91 security officers. The Department is developing an intermediate training programme for newly promoted security advisers to meet its staff development strategy. Moreover, the Department conducted the following specialized training programmes: (a) hostage incident management training for 26 security officers of United Nations system organizations; (b) numerous safe and secure approaches to field environments training-of-trainer workshops for United Nations staff in six high-risk countries; (c) two safe and secure approaches to field environments training-of-trainer workshops, conducted in coordination with the United Nations System Staff College, for 43 selected security officers; (d) emergency trauma bag and basic first aid training for 400 staff members; (e) five field security training programmes for 136 peacekeeping mission security officers; and (f) one security and safety service training-of-trainers workshop for 24 participants. 27. To promote system-wide security awareness, the Department is revising the online CD-ROM training programme entitled, “Basic security in the field”, initially launched in 2003. The new version includes updated information on the United Nations security management structure, living and working in a new cultural environment, influenza pandemic preparedness and vehicle safety. For the past year, about 10,691 United Nations staff members completed the Advanced Security in the

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Field security learning programme by using the Department of Safety and Security website or the CD-ROM. 28. In view of the number of deaths and serious injuries of United Nations staff members due to vehicle accidents, the Department has launched a global “Road safety campaign 2008”.

B.

Critical incident stress management
29. Critical incident stress management remains a central component of the Organization’s security response. For the past year, the Critical Incident Stress Management Unit of the Department of Safety and Security has been proactively providing services to staff members and developing systems to enhance emergency responses. The Unit has strengthened collaboration with key United Nations stakeholders and initiated sustainable systems to increase the availability and quality of critical incident stress management services. 30. During the reporting period, the Department has focused on responses to key emergencies, including the attack against United Nations offices in Algeria, the political unrest in Nairobi, the devastation caused by hurricane Felix in Nicaragua, the helicopter crash in Nepal, the turmoil in Chad and United Nations staff evacuation, and the devastating impact of cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, as well as traumatic events in other countries. The Department’s counsellors assisted 2,676 United Nations staff members during the period. 31. To enhance crisis response preparedness, the Department continued to build United Nations regional capacity in critical incident stress management. Positive steps include counsellor certification training with a view to establishing United Nations counselling networks in different regions. Some 28 counsellors from 17 countries received intensive critical incident stress-management training during the past year and the Department has facilitated training and workshops for 4,073 staff members. In addition, the Department continued to build United Nations critical incident stress-management capacity at the country level. The appointment of national counsellors in 14 countries has proved cost-effective in responding to the tragic events in Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan and Chad; Department counsellors provided technical support to 11 peacekeeping mission senior counsellors providing services to 11,518 staff members.

C.

Electronic information strategy
32. Over the past year, the Department’s website (dss.un.org) had an increased number of registered users, from 38,000 to 68,000 staff members, and served as secure access to security-related information, such as travel advisories, the Department’s staff directory, security awareness and training materials, and stress management and mission readiness information. In the reporting period, the Department processed 22,800 security clearance requests monthly for operations worldwide through the integrated security clearance and tracking system.

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D.

Threat and risk assessment and crisis management
33. The Department of Safety and Security continued to provide management, support and assistance to designated officials and United Nations country teams on security risk management. To increase the knowledge of designated officials, members of security management teams and United Nations security professionals, the Department has included security risk management as an integral part of security guidelines and main security training programmes for security officers and key actors in the United Nations security management system at the country level. The Department continued to take steps to ensure timely response to all security-related threats and emergencies. To improve capacity in responding to emergencies, the Department has strengthened its 24/7 Crisis Management Centre with established procedures and staff training. During the reporting period, the Centre supported responses to crises in Chad (twice), Lebanon, Somalia, and Kenya. 34. As part of efforts to mitigate threats against United Nations premises located at offices away from headquarters, regional commissions and tribunals, the Department of Safety and Security has carried out standardized access control in these locations. Based on comprehensive threat and risk assessment, the Department provided close protection to 73 senior officials travelling to 143 different countries during the reporting period.

E.

Mainstreaming of security management
35. The Department of Safety and Security continued to take steps to mainstream security management at all levels of United Nations activities with the strategic aim of enabling United Nations operations. The Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security continued to hold regular and close consultations with various departments within the United Nations Secretariat, agencies, funds and programmes to promote security management as an integral and enabling part of policy, planning, operational and administrative consideration for United Nations programmes and activities. 36. In promoting an organizational culture of accountability for staff security, the Department continued to work closely with United Nations system organizations and Secretariat departments, to increase awareness of management responsibility for all actors in the United Nations security management system. The inclusion of designated official’s responsibilities as a core function of senior officials, such as resident coordinators, special representatives of the Secretary-General and heads of missions, marked a positive development. The Department continues to take measures to integrate safety and security components within the Department, including integrated training and standardized safety and security policies and procedures.

VI. Conformity with operating standards
37. In line with General Assembly resolution 62/95, the United Nations continues to take steps to ensure that United Nations staff members are properly informed about and operate in conformity with the minimum operating security standards.

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38. The Department’s Policy, Planning and Coordination Unit, which ensures a unified capacity for security policy developments and coordination, has worked closely with other units and departments as well as United Nations system organizations to ensure that security policies, operational procedures and standards are cohesive and consistent, incorporated into staff training, applicable to the field and reflective of emerging security challenges. With a view to developing common security policies for a unified United Nations security management system, the Unit has undertaken ongoing efforts in revising the United Nations Field Security Handbook, the United Nations Security Operations Manual and security technical standards. 39. The revised Guidelines for designated officials, developed and circulated by the Department in April 2008, was a positive development in promoting designated officials’ security management responsibilities and accountability at the field level, particularly with regard to his or her leadership in security management coordination, security risk management, contingency planning, crisis management and cooperation with host Governments. 40. The Department continued to provide substantive and secretariat support to the Inter-Agency Security Management Network to promote increased cooperation and collaboration among all United Nations departments, organizations, funds and programmes and affiliated international organizations in planning and carrying out measures to improve staff security, training and awareness. 41. As a measure to promote compliance with existing security standards, the Department’s Compliance, Evaluation and Monitoring Unit conducted 10 compliance field visits to increase conformity with all United Nations security policies, including minimum operating security standards. While compliance levels varied among those evaluated, on a scale of 1 to 5, the average compliance rate was 3.59, compared to 3.20 in the previous year. The average minimum operating security standards compliance increased to 83 per cent, compared to 82 per cent in the previous year. The Unit proposed a total of 349 recommendations for improving compliance with security policies in various offices. 42. To assist the United Nations country teams in carrying out standardized and systematic evaluation, the Department continued to establish procedures for assessing the compliance with security standards. It initiated the minimum operating security standards self-assessment programme and continued to develop the compliance information management system to ensure a standardized approach, transparency and easy access to compliance information.

VII. Collaboration and cooperation on security measures
A. Security collaboration between the United Nations and host Governments
43. In fulfilling the mandates reflected in General Assembly resolution 62/95, in which the General Assembly invited the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to work closely with host Governments to strengthen the analysis of threats, the United Nations has taken measures to enhance security collaboration with host Governments, including efforts to support United Nations designated

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officials with regard to collaboration with host Government authorities, particularly by establishing country-level mechanisms for information exchange, and risk assessment and situation analysis. The Department has included collaboration with host Government authorities as a core function of designated officials and continued to support designated officials through field visits and participation in bilateral, multilateral, and regional dialogues and through increased interaction with the permanent missions. 44. The Department continues to promote best practices for further cooperation with host Governments, through developing guidelines, policies and integrated training and awareness programmes for staff in the field to increase cooperation with host Government authorities, particularly in the areas of (a) establishment of coordination and information-exchange mechanisms; (b) security risk assessment; (c) the security of locally recruited personnel; (d) joint contingency or emergency planning and exercises; (e) awareness and sensitivity to local cultures and laws; and (f) joint efforts to promote the local population’s awareness of the United Nations role and mandates.

B.

Security collaboration between the United Nations and non-governmental organizations
45. In line with the guidance provided by the General Assembly, the United Nations continues to work closely with NGOs and intergovernmental organizations to improve coordination on security management, particularly in challenging conflict and post-conflict areas. The mechanism for collaboration is the “Saving Lives Together” framework, endorsed by the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, for the United Nations-intergovernmental organizations-NGO security collaboration. During the reporting period, the Department of Safety and Security, albeit with limited extrabudgetary support, was able to implement and collect, analyse and disseminate lessons learned on Saving Lives Together initiatives in over two dozen countries around the world. 46. The primary focus of the Department’s NGO liaison activities in the field during the period under review was on Darfur in the Sudan, in carrying out security collaboration projects with NGOs working alongside the United Nations in that complex environment. Efforts are under way to integrate further security coordination mechanisms between the United Nations and NGOs in the specific contexts of Somalia, Sri Lanka, Colombia and Haiti. The Department has cultivated a close working relationship with the NGO consortia recognized by the General Assembly, including the International Council of Voluntary Agencies, InterAction and the Steering Committee on Humanitarian Response, which contributed to the preparation of the portion of the present report on the situation related to NGOs, and to efforts to enhance further security collaboration. During the last year, the Department undertook numerous visits to the NGO consortia headquarters to increase awareness on the Saving Lives Together framework and deployed an officer to maintain liaison with NGOs in Kenya during the crisis in January and February 2008. This demonstrated the value of such collaboration by forming an effective link between the United Nations and other crisis responders.

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C.

Security arrangements for integrated missions
47. The Department continues to intensify efforts to enhance security integration in peace missions worldwide. Currently, there are 11 United Nations integrated peace missions directed by the Department of Political Affairs and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, and supported by the Department of Field Support. Integrated missions comprise a peacekeeping or peacebuilding operation and a United Nations country team under a single head of mission who normally serves as the designated official for security. To achieve further security coordination, the Department has established a security cell, comprising the mission security personnel and security staff of United Nations system organizations.

VIII. Observations and recommendations
48. I am gravely concerned by the wide scale of threats, the rise in deliberate targeting of humanitarian and United Nations personnel, and their vulnerability worldwide. In this disturbing trend, hostage incidents and targeted attacks against humanitarian and United Nations staff in areas of humanitarian emergencies continue unabated. Locally recruited personnel of the United Nations and humanitarian organizations are most vulnerable in conflict and post-conflict areas. 49. I remain deeply distressed and saddened by the loss of 17 United Nations staff members in the 11 December 2007 attack in Algiers. I condemn in the strongest terms those attacks, and remain thankful to the General Assembly and the Security Council for their condemnations of them. This tragic event is another telling reminder, not only of the changing nature and scale of threats, but also of the urgent need for closer cooperation between the United Nations and the host Governments on security matters. In the wake of the tragedy, I issued instructions for an immediate review of all United Nations policies and measures to ensure security and safety of our staff and premises worldwide. The present report is without prejudice to the implementation of recommendations made by the Independent Panel on Safety and Security of United Nations Personnel and Premises Worldwide or the Independent Panel on Accountability related to the attack on United Nations premises in Algiers in 2007. A further report on institutional issues concerning staff, premises and security will be submitted to the General Assembly at its forthcoming session. 50. As part of this ongoing review, I will continue to encourage the Organization’s efforts in drawing from lessons learned and taking timely steps to strengthen the United Nations security management system by improving accountability, leadership and internal management. In line with the recommendations of the Independent Panel on Safety and Security of United Nations Personnel and Premises Worldwide, 6 priorities include addressing key policy, operational and strategic weakness, improving the safety and security of locally recruited staff, providing adequate resources, improving the framework

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The report, entitled, Towards a Culture of Security and Accountability, was issued 9 June 2008 (www.un.org/News/dh/infocus/terrorism/PanelOnSafetyReport.pdf).

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for accountability, 7 enhancing cooperation with host Governments and Member States, and restoring public trust in the United Nations at the global and local levels. 51. On issues under its responsibility, the Department of Safety and Security will maintain its focus on enabling effective United Nations programme delivery through achieving the following priority objectives: (a) effective and timely responses to, and preventive action for, all security-related threats and other emergencies; (b) effective risk mitigation through well-coordinated security threat and risk assessment mechanisms; and (c) high-quality security policies, standards and operational guidelines and procedures and compliance. 52. The Department of Safety and Security will continue to amplify its efforts on (a) enhancing collaboration and dialogue between the United Nations and Member States on staff security and promoting best practices; and (b) establishing effective mechanisms, at the country level, between United Nations designated officials and the host country authorities for information exchange, risk analysis and decisions related to security issues. As part of the efforts to promote closer cooperation with Member States and host Governments, I will continue to include staff security issues in my regular conversations with senior officials of Member States. 53. All these efforts are possible only with the proactive participation and support of all Member States and host Governments. Equally important is the need for Member States to include the security of humanitarian and United Nations personnel as an integral part of their considerations and deliberations in United Nations intergovernmental bodies. Decisions and actions by United Nations intergovernmental bodies on the scope and mandate of United Nations operations have significant influence on public trust in, and attitude towards, the Organization with a direct impact on the security of United Nations staff, as pointed out by the Independent Panel. The international community’s continued commitment to ensure that security management is an integral element of United Nations and humanitarian operations remains crucial for fulfilling humanitarian mandates. 54. As the primary responsibility for the protection of United Nations staff rests with the host Governments, current security challenges call for global collective responsibility and steps to promote compliance with internationally agreed principles. While most Governments remain committed to carrying out recommendations on responsibilities and roles of host Government as contained in General Assembly resolution 62/95, I call upon all Member States to address three topical issues, namely: (a) unlawful arrests, detention and harassment of United Nations staff; (b) obstruction of freedom of movement of United Nations and humanitarian workers; and (c) impunity for crimes committed against humanitarian and United Nations personnel. Moreover, as public attitudes and sentiments have a direct effect on the safety and security of humanitarian and United Nations personnel, I call upon host Government authorities to refrain from public statements that could jeopardize the safety and security of humanitarian workers.
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See Inter-organizational security measures: framework for accountability for the United Nations security management system, which outlines security responsibilities of all actors within the system (A/61/531, annex I).

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55. The reputation of the United Nations for impartiality promotes public trust and a positive attitude towards the Organization which contributes to the protection of United Nations personnel and humanitarian partners. I remain fully committed to ensuring that United Nations staff members strictly observe high standards of conduct and carry out their mandates with moral authority, as well as respect for those they are helping. 56. I continue to be gravely concerned by the difficulties we encounter in a few countries over the import of communication equipment. I appeal to all Member States that have imposed such restrictions to lift them immediately. 57. Locally recruited United Nations staff members continue to face increased security threats and have become victims of targeted abuse, harassment and unlawful detention in areas where their services are most critical for sustaining United Nations activities. The Organization and the international community urgently need to review the policies and arrangements necessary to provide locally recruited personnel with adequate safety and security. 58. I wish to commend the host Governments and their relevant national and local officials who continue to observe the internationally agreed principles on the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel. Beyond the legal obligations, I urge all Member States to forge a common and forceful political will in taking steps, at the national and international levels, to ensure the safety and security of United Nations and humanitarian personnel through their individual and collective joint actions with the United Nations. I cannot overemphasize the importance of security collaboration between the United Nations and the host country on contingency planning, information exchange, risk assessment and combating impunity as a strategic priority of the United Nations security management system. 59. While the Organization and the humanitarian community will continue to intensify efforts in reforming and bettering its security management, support by host Governments and local authorities and leaders remains the first line of defence in the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel. 60. I am deeply disturbed by the trend of politically or criminally motivated targeting of humanitarians, which is most evident in Somalia, where, during the reporting period, 18 NGO staff members were murdered. Although investigations are difficult in this context, evidence and statements by insurgent groups suggest that the majority of them were victims of targeted assassination. I condemn such behaviour in the strongest terms and call upon all parties to respect humanitarian principles and to allow the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. 61. I wish to express my deepest condolences to the families of all humanitarian and United Nations staff who lost their lives in the line of duty. I highly commend the humanitarian and United Nations staff, who are working in increasingly dangerous and challenging conditions to fulfil their mandates, for their sacrifice and courage. 62. On behalf of all United Nations staff members, I wish to express our deep appreciation to the Member States for their significant support to the continued development of the Department of Safety and Security. Effective provision of

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services by the Department continues to require partnership and investment by all stakeholders. 63. I wish to recommend that the General Assembly remain seized of this critical issue and continue its robust support of the United Nations Security Management System.

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Annex I Civilian personnel who lost their lives as a result of malicious acts during the reporting period (1 July 2007-30 June 2008)
No. Name Nationality/organization Place and date of incident Cause Legal action

Note: ILO — International Labour Organization UNAIDS — Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS DSS — Department of Safety and Security of the United Nations Secretariat UNFPA — United Nations Population Fund UNHCR — Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNIDO — United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNRWA — United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East WFP — World Food Programme WHO — World Health Organization

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Annex II Consolidated list of civilian staff members under arrest, detained or missing with respect to whom the United Nations, the specialized agencies and related organizations have been unable to exercise fully their right to protection during the reporting period (1 July 2007-30 June 2008)
No. Name Organization Place and date of incident

Arrested in Afgoye Corridor, Somalia, 30 June 2008 Arrested in Afabet, Eritrea, 3 September 2007 Arrested in Eelasha Neighbourhood, Somalia, 21 June 2008 Arrested in Asmara, 26 September 2008 Arrested in Assab, Eritrea, 28 April 2008 Arrested in Khuza’a Area, Gaza, 23 August 2007 Arrested in Jenin Camp, West Bank, 15 January 2007 Arrested in Madama Village, West Bank, 6 March 2007 Arrested in West Bank, 31 July 2005 Arrested in Sadra West Bank, 16 May 2004 Arrested in Qalandia West Bank, 25 September 2002 Arrested in Gaza, 14 August 2002 Arrested in Beit Forik, West Bank, 31 August 2007 Arrested in Dheisheh, West Bank, 10 October 2007 Arrested in Balata camp, West Bank, 18 January 2008 Arrested in Fara’a camp, West Bank, 13 February 2008 Arrested in Dura, West Bank, 4 September 2007
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Name

Organization

Place and date of incident

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Arob Arob Aeyrn Gillern

UNMIS UNIDO

Missing in Abyei, the Sudan, 14 May 2008 Missing in Vienna, 29 October 2007

Note: FAO — Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations OCHA — Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat UNHCR — Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNIDO — United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNMEE — United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea UNMIS — United Nations Mission in the Sudan UNRWA — United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

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Annex III Number of security incidents involving United Nations staff members from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008
Country or area Total Attack Murder Detention Arrest and detention by non-state actors Assault by state Harassment and intimidation Forced entry and/or office occupation Missing staff Residential member Robbery Hijacking break-in Theft